The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado receives various updates consisting of updates to exterior, interior, and technology, and represents the sixth model year of the second-generation Colorado Diesel. Notably, the 2016 Colorado was the pickup truck’s first model year to offer the 2.8-liter four-cylinder LWN “baby Duramax” diesel engine, and has continued to be the one and only turbo-diesel option available for the nameplate.
While this light update is as close to a mid-cycle refresh/MCE as it gets, we should clarify that it is not an official refresh/MCE, but is rather a light update of sorts that’s as close to an MCE as it gets. We initially anticipated an official Colorado refresh to arrive for the 2019 and 2020 model years, neither of which took place.
Changes, Updates, New Features
Exterior
- Revised front fascias
- Z71 models now include a Black bowtie on the grille
- ZR2 Off-Road Package now includes “CHEVROLET” lettered grille with “flowtie”
- Addition of three exterior colors
- Deletion of five exterior colors
- Addition of three wheel and one tire option
- Deletion of five wheel and three tire options
Interior
- Inside, rearview auto-dimming mirror is now standard on LT models
Packages
- Addition of Chrome Appearance Package
- Custom Special Edition RPO code changed
- Deletion of Colorado RST Special Edition
- Deletion of Colorado Trail Runner Special Edition
- Addition and deletion of various LPO-level items
See detailed 2021 Chevrolet Colorado Diesel changes, updates and new features here:Â 2021 Chevrolet Colorado Diesel change log.
The updates and changes described here are specific to the U.S. market and may be different for other markets.
Body Styles
The 2021 Chevy Colorado Diesel continues to be offered as a midsize pickup truck with the following cab and bed configurations:
- Extended Cab, Long Box
- Crew Cab, Short Box
- Crew Cab, Long Box
Model Lineup / Trim Levels
| Trim level: | Work Truck | LT | Z71 | ZR2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment group: | 2WT, 4WT | 2LT, 4LT | 4Z7 | 4ZR |
Platform
Like all second-generation units of the Chevy Colorado, the 2021 Colorado Diesel continues to ride on the GMT 31XX platform shared with the following vehicles:
- 2015 and newer GMC Canyon
- 2013 and newer Chevrolet and Holden Colorado for international markets
- 2014 and newer Chevrolet Trailblazer, also known as the Holden Colorado 7 and Holden Trailblazer
Production
The 2021 Chevy Colorado Diesel is assembled at the GM Wentzville factory in Missouri by GM USA.
Pricing
Here’s a look at the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado pricing up against pricing for the previous model year:
| 2020 Trim | 2021 Trim | PEG | Cab | Box | Engine | Transmission | Drive Type | Seating Material | 2020 MSRP | 2021 MSRP | + / – 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LT | LT | 2LT | Crew | Short | 2.8L I-4 LWN Diesel | 6-Speed Auto | 2WD | Cloth | $37,810 | $37,810 | $0 |
| LT | LT | 4LT | Crew | Short | 2.8L I-4 LWN Diesel | 6-Speed Auto | 4WD | Cloth | $41,275 | $41,275 | $0 |
| LT | Model N/A | 2LT | Crew | Long | 2.8L I-4 LWN Diesel | 6-Speed Auto | 2WD | Cloth | $38,200 | Model N/A | N/A |
| LT | LT | 4LT | Crew | Long | 2.8L I-4 LWN Diesel | 6-Speed Auto | 4WD | Cloth | $41,600 | $41,600 | $0 |
| Z71 | Z71 | 4Z7 | Crew | Short | 2.8L I-4 LWN Diesel | 6-Speed Auto | 4WD | Cloth/Leatherette | $42,275 | $42,570 | +$295 |
| Z71 | Z71 | 4Z7 | Crew | Long | 2.8L I-4 LWN Diesel | 6-Speed Auto | 4WD | Cloth/Leatherette | $42,625 | $42,920 | +$295 |
| ZR2 | ZR2 | 4ZR | Extended | Long | 2.8L I-4 LWN Diesel | 6-Speed Auto | 4WD | Leather | $46,095 | $46,295 | +$200 |
| ZR2 | ZR2 | 4ZR | Crew | Short | 2.8L I-4 LWN Diesel | 6-Speed Auto | 4WD | Leather | $47,695 | $47,895 | +$200 |
Availability
Though the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak delayed various GM refreshes, pushing back the 2021 Traverse and 2021 Equinox to the 2022 model year, GM Authority confirmed with GM spokespeople that the 2021 Colorado was still on track for its launch in spring 2020.
As we reported, the Start of Regular Production (SORP) for the mildly refreshed Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon launched on June 26th at the GM Wentzville plant in Missouri, making the pickups the first U.S.-built 2021 model year GM vehicles to roll off the line. However, orders for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado diesel and 2021 GMC Canyon diesel opened up slightly after SORP -July 15th – to allow for engine certification by the EPA and CARB.
Beyond 2021
We expect the current, second-generation Chevrolet Colorado and Colorado Diesel models to remain in production thru the 2022 model year, and that an all-new, future Chevy Colorado will launch for the 2023 model year.
Discussion
Discuss the 2021 Chevy Colorado Diesel in our Chevrolet forum.
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